The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) was scheduled to be held from April 9 to May 30. Unfortunately, the advent of the second wave of virulent Coronavirus compelled the BCCI to suspended the ongoing IPL midway. Moreover, it became a necessity rather than a choice for the IPL governing council to postpone the remaining. IPL matches. A number of COVID-19 cases were reported among a couple of participating IPL teams despite a strict bio-bubble. Hence, observing the intricacy of the situation, IPL 2021 was officially suspended on May 2.
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Soon after the official confirmation, rumors began to spread over UAE and England being discussed as the two potential venues to schedule the remaining IPL 2021 matches. However, as per the latest report, BCCI has made a proposal to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for scheduling the remaining IPL in England in September 2021. India is scheduled to feature in a five-match Test series against England in the UK, culminating on September 14. If the two boards can find a workaround to schedule the second half of IPL 2021 in England, it augurs well to better the cricketing relations between the two major members of the ICC.
The re-scheduled IPL will help a few IPL teams considering their bowling attacks which might prosper in the English conditions. However, with wickets expected to be flat, it calls for an exciting contest between bat and ball.
Here's a look at 3 teams who will be most benefitted if the remaining IPL 2021 is scheduled in England:
1. Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad didn't have a great IPL 2021 until it was suspended. With a solitary win in seven matches, SRH was languishing at the bottom of the 2021 IPL Points Table. Although, the Orange Army boasts of a quality seam-bowling lineup with a resourceful blend of experience and aspiring young talents. The squad has an abundance of bowling powerhouses including the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T Natarajan. Rashid Khan, as some prominent players who can exploit the helpful conditions in England.
However, apart from Bhuvneshwar Kumar, most of their seam bowlers lack exposure to seamer-friendly tracks in England. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how they capitalize on the available resources.
2. Delhi Capitals
Currently, Delhi Capitals is the most balanced team in terms of their bowling resources. The Rishabh Pant-led side has most bases covered be it in their spin department or the pace bowlers. Moreover, in England, players like Tom Curran and Chris Woakes will get favorable home conditions. They will get assistance from the experienced likes of Ishant Sharma and Kagiso Rabada.
In addition, Delhi has also got the best spinning line-up with experienced Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra, and Axar Patel. So, one can conclude that Delhi Capital has the most promising bowling unit in the IPL. It will be captivating to see how they adapt to England's condition quickly and make the most out of it.
3. Mumbai Indians
At present, only a few teams in IPL can match the defending champions Mumbai Indians. The team has won the prestigious IPL trophy for a record five times. Led by Rohit Sharma, Mumbai is one such team that can play in nearly all conditions. In the English conditions, the team has the duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult in their ranks to lead their bowling attack. Both players can rip apart most line-ups and England's conditions will strengthen their competency to the next level.
Despite a slow start in IPL 2021, MI was beginning to get back on track with a win in their last encounter. The team is well balanced with an array of seam-bowling all-rounders. The likes of James Neesham and Nathan Coulter Nile could be a perfect foil for English conditions If the IPL 2021 schedule in re-jig to be played in England, Mumbai will be one of the front-runners to claim the trophy yet again.
